Morphometric Analysis for Sustainable Land and Water Management of Maliwadgaon Watershed Using Geospatial Techniques

Abstract

Morphometric analysis provides a quantitative basis for interpreting watershed hydrology, runoff response and erosion susceptibility, particularly in semi-arid regions where land and water resources are under increasing pressure. The present study evaluated the morphometric characteristics of the Maliwadgaon watershed in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, Maharashtra, using remote sensing and GIS techniques to support sustainable watershed management. A 30 m resolution Shuttle Radar Topography Mission Digital Elevation Model was used to delineate the watershed and derive linear, areal and relief parameters. The watershed covers 43 km², with a basin length of 12 km and a perimeter of 36 km. The drainage network exhibits a dendritic pattern and an elongated basin form, as reflected by the form factor (0.299), circularity ratio (0.417) and elongation ratio (0.617). The drainage density of 0.991 km/km² indicates a low-to-moderate drainage network, while the stream frequency of 8.88 streams/km² suggests higher runoff potential during intense rainfall events. Relief parameters, including basin relief (82 m), relief ratio (6.83 m/km) and ruggedness number (0.081), indicate moderate terrain dissection and erosion susceptibility. The findings support the need for site-specific soil and water conservation measures, including contour bunding, vegetative barriers, check dams and water harvesting structures, to improve runoff control and water retention in the watershed.